The Los Angeles Rams played with heavy hearts Monday night.
With the Los Angeles Fire Department emblazoned on the coaches’ chests and wildfires ravaging Southern California at home, the Rams managed to defeat the Minnesota Vikings 27-9 in the wild card round of the playoffs.
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Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay reacts to Davis Allen’s touchdown catch against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Monday, January 2025, in Glendale, Arizona. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The game was moved from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, due to the fires. However, the fans came out in full force and enjoyed a great victory for the boys in blue and gold.
It really started on defense. The Rams sacked Darnold six times in the first half and three more times in the second half for a total of nine. Jared Verse also recovered a Darnold fumble and returned it 57 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford didn’t need to do much. He was 19 of 27 for 209 yards and two touchdowns. One touchdown went to Kyren Williams and the other to Davis Allen.
The Super Bowl champion quarterback completed passes to eight different receivers.
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner (91) celebrates the sack of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold with Byron Young (0) during the first half of a Minnesota Wild Card playoff football game. the NFL, on Monday, January 13, 2025, in Glendale, Arizona. . (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
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The defense returned Darnold to the player he seemed at the beginning of his career. He was late to receive passes and seemed hesitant for most of the game.
Despite the great season, he finished the playoff game 25-for-40 with 245 passing yards, one touchdown pass, and one interception. Their only score went to tight end TJ Hockenson, who led the team with five receptions for 64 yards.
Vikings star Justin Jefferson had five catches for 58 yards.
Los Angeles returns to the divisional round for the fourth time under head coach Sean McVay. The Rams will now go on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles. The two teams will meet on Sunday at 3 pm ET.
The Vikings can begin their offseason and decide what they will eventually do with Darnold. The veteran quarterback was signed as an emergency signing in the offseason after JJ McCarthy suffered a torn Achilles tendon in training camp.
Minnesota Vikings tight end TJ Hockenson (87) runs after a catch for a 26-yard touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game, Monday, January 2025, in Glendale, Arizona. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Now, Minnesota will have to make a decision on whether to give the keys to the Cadillac to McCarthy or keep Darnold for at least one more season.
